Game Developer: The Best Job for Gamers
What makes a good game developer?
Typically, game developers are tech-savvy and skilled at problem-solving – two traits they often share with gamers. Video game development is a great role for those passionate about video games and interested in technology.
Game developers must also be problem-solvers and willing to learn new technologies – a skill that becomes even more critical as innovative technologies continue to reshape our experience of gaming, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Virtual Reality
- Augmented Reality
What do video game developers do?
Game developers often work on multiple aspects of game development, including programming gameplay logic, adding artificial intelligence to non-player characters, and combining various assets and concepts to bring the game designer's vision to life. They rely on strong knowledge of technology and software engineering to accomplish these tasks.
A video game developer's day-to-day work depends on the company they work for and whether they specialize in a particular niche. However, generally, their responsibilities include:
- Using programming and software engineering to turn ideas and visions into reality
- Creating gameplay prototypes for PC, consoles, and mobile devices
- Checking for bugs and ensuring stability
- Developing recommendations for code improvements
- Refining the prototype into a finished video game to bring it to market.
Game developers also communicate and collaborate with producers, quality assurance engineers, designers, sound engineers, and video game artists.
Some video game developers work as generalists, while others may specialize in a specific area. For instance, some developers only work with certain coding languages or game engines. While this may seem limiting, such specialists often become highly sought-after due to their niche expertise. Other developers specialize in specific genres, becoming experts in a particular style.
Types of game developers
- First-party game developers
- Second-party game developers
- Third-party game developers
- Indie game developers
The type of developer you aspire to be will determine the companies you work for, your workflow, and potentially your salary.
First-party game developers
First-party video game developers work for the main company that produces a gaming console. For example, developers with software engineering experience may work as first-party game developers at companies like Nintendo, Sony, Electronic Arts (EA), and Microsoft.
These large companies have studios dedicated exclusively to development. With first-party game developers, companies gain more control over the design and distribution of their video games.
Second-party game developers
Second-party game developers work with companies as subsidiaries in their own studios. They either contract with a video game publishing company or act as partial subsidiaries. Typically, second-party game developers have more freedom.
In some cases, companies may provide second-party developers with more financial incentives for certain projects. You may even earn a higher salary in this category. Remedy Entertainment, Game Freak, and Grezzo are a few examples of companies that employ second-party game developers.
Third-party game developers
Third-party game developers are independent studios that carefully choose which games and partners to work with. They are often smaller studios that can't afford to risk unsuccessful projects.
Third-party game developers aim to build strong relationships, which can lead to more successful projects. If you want more freedom in choosing who to work with, you might enjoy working at a third-party game development studio.
Indie game developers
Indie game developers work either alone or with a very small team of developers. Generally, they lack the financial backing of larger companies when creating video games. These creators have more freedom, can take risks, and develop new games without being bound by industry standards. However, they also face greater challenges, as they often need to recruit their own team or master all the necessary skills to deliver a finished product.
Game developer salary
Now that you know about a game developer's daily duties, you might be wondering: 'How much do game developers make?' This can depend on several factors, but generally, it depends most on whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for ten years or more.
Game development can be a lucrative field, making it ideal for passionate gamers looking to turn their hobby into a rewarding career. Let's take a closer look at some factors that can affect your salary.
Company type
The largest and most successful companies often offer the highest salaries to game developers. For example, Microsoft and Sony top the list of companies that pay game developers the most.
However, smaller companies with 10 or fewer employees may also offer higher salaries than corporations with 200-1,000 employees. It all depends on the specific company you work for.
Location
Working in major cities is likely to provide a higher salary than positions you might find in more rural areas. This is typically related to the local cost of living.
If you're looking for a high salary in big cities, explore opportunities in cities like San Francisco, Boston, or even Las Vegas. Or, to maximize your earnings, you could find a remote job that allows you to work from a location with a lower cost of living.
Experience level
Your salary will generally depend on your experience in the video game industry. For instance, as you get promoted and take on more responsibilities, your income usually increases as well.
How to become a game developer
If you're a game lover looking to become a video game developer, you can start this exciting new career by taking a few educational courses and acquiring specific skills. Video game development can be an intense career, but it can be fulfilling and rewarding if it's your passion. We'll cover specific qualifications and programs you might need to compete successfully in the game development industry.
1. Obtain the qualifications and skills needed to become a game developer
Before looking for a job as a game developer, you may need to acquire a few new skills. The most common skill you'll need as a game developer is knowledge of one or more programming languages. Typically, this means C, C++, or C#, depending on your company's preferences.
Familiarity with a game development engine like Unreal Engine can also be helpful, though many companies prefer to develop their own engines. You may also need basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, and storytelling.
2. Find programs or courses to develop your skills
Depending on your skill gaps, you may need various resources to develop the skills required to start your new career. You could take a couple of math or physics classes, or perhaps even writing courses to improve your storytelling abilities.
Coding skills can be gained through certification courses, a degree in computer science, or coding bootcamps. Many bootcamps can help you acquire the skills needed to build a new career.
3. Build a game developer portfolio
Game developers need a solid portfolio of past projects to show potential employers. There's no better way to demonstrate to a potential employer that you know how to apply coding and programming theory to create a successful video game.